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Back for its 11th year, the prestigious Somerset Business Awards officially launched in front of an array of influential business people, at the eighth annual Somerset in Business conference, on Thursday 4 June, Junction 24.

This year, the Somerset Business Awards welcomes a new award – the Somerset Manufacturer Award – which will celebrate and showcase the most innovative and agile manufacturing business in the county. Alongside the new award, the organisers are pleased to introduce new sponsors for 2015 – Monahans, sponsoring the Somerset Manufacturer Award, Elite Staffing Solutions, sponsoring the Service Excellence Award and Somerset College, sponsoring the Skills for Growth Award.

The Awards culminate with a spectacular ceremony, taking place on Friday 23 October 2015, at its new venue, Wellsprings Leisure Centre in Taunton – which has the capacity for more than 400 VIP business people to celebrate outstanding business in Somerset.

Neil Murphy, the new CEO of the Somerset Chamber of Commerce – organisers of the Awards – officially opened the Awards, commenting, “We are thrilled to launch this year’s Somerset Business Awards, which have become highly coveted and extremely popular over recent years. The growth of Somerset’s economy means we can continue to add new awards and welcome new sponsors each year, which is fantastic. The Awards celebrate Somerset’s business excellence and provide a first class opportunity for entrants to showcase what they do best.”

Sponsored by a variety of Somerset businesses from the county’s vibrant business community, including main sponsor, Albert Goodman, the Somerset Business Awards recognise and celebrate Somerset’s outstanding and diverse businesses.

Albert Goodman’s Managing Partner, David Griffin, says, “The Somerset Business Awards have risen in prestige year on year, and provide a real sense of achievement to those who take part. I strongly urge all local businesses to enter, not just for the business benefits but also for the boost in staff morale and pride. Albert Goodman is proud to be part of the Somerset business community and to support the Awards for six consecutive years. We wish all entrants the very best of luck.”

Somerset businesses have a choice of 14 award categories to enter, with the winners of the Somerset Business Awards enjoying great recognition for their work and experiencing a welcome boost in business.

Also in attendance was renowned financial commentator, Justin Urquhart Stewart, who says, “The most important thing in business is to create enthusiasm and confidence, and that is exactly what the Somerset Business Awards do. The best way to promote your business is to enter the Somerset Business Awards and if possible win, because you will have the respect of competitors, and your staff and customers will love it!”

The Awards are free to enter and businesses must nominate themselves. To enter and for further information, please visit www.somersetbusinessawards.org.uk. The Awards will officially close for entries on Friday 21 August 2015, at 17:00.

Please follow @SomBizAwards on Twitter for all the latest news and updates with #SBA2015.